In April of 2024, the Department of Education approved New Title IX rules, which are scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2024. Our firm is closely monitoring ongoing challenges to these new rules in court, and is working hard to provide you the most up-to-date information. Click here to learn about the current state of Title IX and how we can help if you are facing accusations.
As a for-profit school with multiple campuses and nationwide reach, Chamberlain University gears its entire focus toward training its students for careers in nursing. In fact, the school boasts one of the largest-attended BSN programs in the nation. The Michigan campus of Chamberlain University is conveniently located just off I-75 in Troy, Michigan, a northern suburb of the Detroit metro area.
Other than possibly higher tuition rates, there is no disadvantage to attending a for-profit university as long as the quality of education is worth the cost. However, regrettably, some for-profit institutes fall into the snare of making decisions solely for financial gain, often to the harm of their students. This may include "steering" their own disciplinary processes toward dismissing students unfairly on allegations of misconduct while keeping their tuition money. If you are a nursing student at Chamberlain University in Troy, Michigan, and find yourself facing misconduct accusations, hiring an experienced education law attorney to advise you may protect you from any unscrupulous actions on the part of the school. The Student Defense Team at Lento Law Firm has nationwide experience helping students navigate even the most complicated disciplinary situations, and we will work on your behalf to help you obtain the most favorable resolution possible. To schedule a consultation, please contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.
Types of Misconduct at Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University's Michigan campus adheres to a uniform set of rules and regulations that apply across all Chamberlain locations. These directives are detailed in the institution's Student Handbook, which classifies student misconduct into three main categories, as discussed below.
Academic Misconduct
The Student Handbook details various forms of academic deceit that might necessitate disciplinary action, including:
- Plagiarism: Deliberately or inadvertently claiming someone else's work as your own.
- Copying: Unfairly acquiring and copying information from a classmate, or allowing another student to copy your work.
- Collusion: Cooperation between students on assignments without prior authorization, including impersonating another student in exams, papers, or other student tasks.
- Using Unauthorized Aids for assignments or examinations.
- Record Tampering: E.g., forging signatures or modifying completed exams/assignments to distort the original work.
- Unauthorized Use of Proprietary Materials.
- Bribes: Offering bribes to obtain an unfair academic advantage.
- Deceptive Practices: Examples include falsifying statements or documents for academic benefit or providing false information related to assignments.
Professional Misconduct
The Professional Conduct Policy in Chamberlain University's Student Handbook identifies additional types of misconduct that could result in disciplinary measures. These include:
- Interference with school functions: For example, causing disturbances in the classroom or interfering with research, administrative tasks, or other university functions.
- Non-compliance with instructions during examinations.
- Violent behavior: Examples include physical or verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation towards any university student, faculty, or staff member.
- Stealing or damaging university property or the possessions of university students, faculty, or staff.
- Hazing.
- Bullying and/or cyberbullying.
- Provocative conduct: Examples include uttering racial slurs, making incendiary comments about personal, political, or religious beliefs, or using offensive language.
- Gambling at university events or using university resources.
- Drug and alcohol infractions: This includes illegal possession, distribution, or sale of drugs, or selling/distributing alcohol contrary to school regulations.
Title IX Offenses
As with other schools that receive federal funding, Chamberlain University is required to comply with current Title IX federal rules. These regulations cover various forms of sexual misconduct, which the university's Title IX policy strictly forbids. The prohibited behavior includes:
- Sexual Misconduct: This includes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.
- Quid-Pro-Quo Harassment: This involves promising benefits in exchange for sexual acts.
- Creation of a Hostile Environment: This involves engaging in unwelcome behavior that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive to the extent it hinders equal access to education based on sex.
Navigating Chamberlain University's Disciplinary Proceedings
Accusations of misconduct within any of the aforementioned categories at Chamberlain University are dealt with through specific procedures, varying according to the type of alleged misconduct.
- Addressing Academic Misconduct: Faculty members can address academic misconduct by imposing sanctions, up to and including failing the student. In serious cases, the issue may go to a Hearing Panel. Accused students can defend themselves at the hearing, and if found guilty, they can request an administrative review.
- Handling Professional Misconduct: In cases involving professional misconduct allegations, a designated conduct administrator investigates the charges and attempts to resolve the issue. If this fails, the matter is escalated to a Professional Review Committee, which functions similarly to the Hearing Panels in academic misconduct scenarios. The accused student retains the right to cross-examine witnesses and appeal any decision they deem unfair.
- Managing Title IX Violations: When a Title IX sexual misconduct complaint is made, the university must follow federal regulations to investigate and address the alleged misconduct. A three-member Decision-Maker panel, chosen by the Title IX coordinator, conducts the hearing using a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. Students can appeal adverse decisions.
Penalties for Misconduct at Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University enforces a firm policy against all forms of misconduct. If you are found in violation of their rules, the school may impose one or more of the following sanctions on you:
- Revocation or denial of admission to the university;
- Issuing a cautionary note or reprimand;
- Placing the student under probation;
- Withdrawal of certain privileges;
- Levying fines or demanding restitution;
- Mandatory additional training;
- Restriction of contact with any alleged victims;
- Suspension from the university;
- Expulsion; and/or
- Revocation of degree.
The Lento Law Firm: Your Ally in Addressing Misconduct Accusations
If you're a student facing misconduct allegations at Chamberlain University in Troy, Michigan, you might feel overwhelmed, defenseless, and disadvantaged due to limited time, unfamiliarity with the process, or insufficient resources to advocate for yourself. Indeed, without the counsel of a seasoned education lawyer, you run the risk of having your rights violated, and the disciplinary actions taken against you could have lasting negative impacts on your academic path and future nursing profession.
At the Lento Law Firm, our Student Defense Team is recognized nationwide for our experience in resolving student disciplinary matters. We will thoroughly review the accusations made against you, collect relevant evidence, guide you in formulating a robust defense strategy, help with negotiations, and if necessary, assist you in filing an appeal. Throughout this journey, we will protect your rights as a student and ensure that the university upholds its own standards of due process.
Don't jeopardize your academic progress and future career by attempting to address misconduct allegations without help. The Lento Law Firm Team can significantly enhance your prospects of achieving a favorable resolution. Reach out to us at 888-535-3686 to arrange a consultation or complete our online form.
